Backlight module with conductive mechanisms therein for providing power to lamps thereof

ABSTRACT

An exemplary backlight module ( 20 ) includes a lamp ( 231 ), a power supply for providing power to the lamp, and a frame ( 27 ) for receiving the lamp. The frame includes at least one lamp connecting mechanism. Each lamp connecting mechanism includes two electrical connecting tubes drill through the frame. Two ends of each lamp are electrically connected to the connecting tubes respectively at an inner side of the frame. Both of the connecting tubes are electrically connected to the power supply.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to backlight modules, and moreparticularly to a backlight module with conductive mechanisms therein,power can be supplied to lamps employed in the backlight modules via theconductive mechanisms.

GENERAL BACKGROUND

Liquid crystal of a liquid crystal display (LCD) does no itself emitlight. Therefore it is common for a backlight module to be installed inan LCD together with the LCD. The backlight module provides uniform flatlight to enable the LCD to display images.

FIG. 7 is an isometric, exploded view of a conventional backlightmodule. The backlight module 10 includes a frame 15, a light guide plate11, a lamp assembly 13, and a bottom tray 17. The frame 15 coupled withthe bottom tray 17 cooperatively defines a space for receiving the lightguide plate 11 and the lamp assembly 13.

The light guide plate 11 includes a side surface 111 for receiving lightbeams emitted by the lamp assembly 13, and a top surface 113 foroutputting flat light. The lamp assembly 13 includes a lamp 131, twofastening units 133 fixed at two ends of the lamp 131, two wires 137electrically connected with the two ends of the lamp 131 for providingpower to the lamp 131, and a lamp cover 132. The lamp cover 132 coupledwith the side surface 111 of the light guide plate 11 and the twofastening units 133 cooperatively defines a closed space (not labeled)for receiving the lamp 131.

The frame 15 includes a side wall 151 corresponding to the side surface111 of the light guide plate 11. The side wall 151 of the frame 15includes two openings 1511 corresponding to the two ends of the lamp131. The bottom tray 17 includes a side wall 171 corresponding to theside surface 111 of the light guide plate 11. The side wall 171 of thebottom tray 17 includes two openings 1711 corresponding to the openings1511 of the frame 15.

The backlight module 10 is assembled by the following steps: firstly,the lamp 131 is received in the lamp cover 132. Subsequently, the lightguide plate 11 is received in the frame 15. The side surface 111 of thelight guide plate 11 is located adjacent to the side wall 151 of theframe 15. The side surface 111 of the light guide plate 11 together withthe frame 15 defines a space for receiving the lamp assembly 13.Afterwards, the lamp assembly 13 is received in the space defined by thelight guide plate 11 and the frame 15. The wires 137 of the lampassembly 13 extend out of the frame 15 via the openings 1511,respectively. Finally, as shown in FIG. 8, the assembled frame 15 islocated in the bottom tray 17 and the wires 137 of the lamp assembly 13extend out of the bottom tray 17 via the openings 1711.

Typically, the wires 137 are soldered at the ends of the lamp 131. Whenthe backlight module 10 is assembled, the wires 137 of the lamp assembly13 are liable to be damaged. For example, the wires 137 are liable to bebroken away from the lamp 131 by external forces. If this happens, thebacklight module 10 should be re-assembled to replace the damaged wires137. This is disadvantageous in mass production of the backlight module10.

What is needed, therefore, is a backlight module that can overcome theabove-described deficiencies.

SUMMARY

A backlight module includes at least one lamp, a power supply forproviding power to the least one lamp, and a frame for receiving the atleast one lamp. The frame includes at least one lamp connectingmechanism. Each lamp connecting mechanism includes two electricalconnecting tubes drill through the frame. Two ends of each lamp areelectrically connected to the connecting tubes respectively at an innerside of the frame. Both of the connecting tubes are electricallyconnected to the power supply.

A backlight module includes at least one lamp and a frame for receivingthe at least one lamp. The frame includes a first conductive mechanismand a second conductive mechanism. Parts of the first and secondconductive mechanism are drill through the frame. The at least one lampis electrically connected to the first and second mechanisms at innerside of the frame. The first and second mechanisms are connected to apower supply at out side of the frame.

Other novel features and advantages will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric, exploded view of a backlight module according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the backlight moduleincluding a frame.

FIG. 2 is an overturned view of the frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a circled portion III of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an another side view of the frame of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a circled portion V of FIG. 4

FIG. 6 is an assembled view of the backlight module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an isometric, exploded view of a conventional backlightmodule.

FIG. 8 is an assembled view of the backlight module of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe the preferred andexemplary embodiments in detail.

FIG. 1 is an isometric, exploded view of a backlight module according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The backlight module20 includes a frame 25, a light guide plate 21, a lamp assembly 23, anda bottom tray 27. The frame 25 coupled with the bottom tray 27cooperatively defines a space for receiving the light guide plate 21 andthe lamp assembly 23. The frame 25 may be made of plastic.

The light guide plate 21 includes a side surface 211 for receiving lightbeams emitted by the lamp assembly 23, and a top surface 213 foroutputting flat light. The lamp assembly 23 includes a lamp 231, twofastening units 233, and a lamp cover 232. The lamp cover 232 coupledwith the side surface 211 of the light guide plate 21 and the twofastening units 233 cooperatively defines a space (not labeled) forreceiving the lamp 231. The bottom tray 27 includes a side wall 271. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the lamp 231 may be a cold cathodefluorescent lamp (CCFL). The fastening units 233 may be made of rubber.Each of the fastening units 233 includes a through hole (not labeled).The side wall 271 together with an adjacent side wall (not labeled) ofthe bottom tray 27 forms a gap 2711 corresponding to one terminal of thelamp 231.

Referring also to FIG. 2, this is an overturned view of the frame 25 ofFIG. 1. The frame 25 includes a first side wall 251, a second side wall252, a third side wall 253 opposite to the first side wall 251, a fourthside wall 254 opposite to the second side wall 252, and a supportingboard 250 perpendicularly extending from inner surfaces of the first,second, third, and fourth side walls 251, 252, 253, 254. The first,second, third, and fourth side walls 251, 252, 253, 254 are joined endto end.

Referring also to FIG. 3, this is an enlarged view of a circled portionIII of FIG. 2. The first side wall 251 includes a first electrical lampconnector 26 and a second electrical lamp connector 27. The first andsecond lamp connectors 26, 27 have similar structures, and areelectrically connected to electrodes of the lamp 231, respectively. Thefirst and second lamp connectors 26, 27 are located at the first sidewall 251 corresponding to the gap 2711 of the bottom tray 27.

The first lamp connector 26 includes a first electrode pad 260 formed oninner surface of the first side wall 251, an elastic member 262electrically connected with the first electrode pad 260, and a firstconnecting tube 261 electrically connected with the first electrode pad260.

The second lamp connector 27 includes a second electrode pad 270 and asecond connecting tube 271 electrically connected with the secondelectrode pad 270. The first and second connecting tubes 261, 271 drillthrough the first side wall 251 and are embedded in the first side wall251. The first and second connecting tubes 261, 271 are provided toreceive external electrical plugs (not shown) to provide power for thelamp 231.

Referring also to FIGS. 4 and 5, FIG. 4 is an another side view of theframe 25 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a circled portion V ofFIG. 4 The third side wall 253 of the frame 25 includes a thirdelectrical lamp connector 283 formed on inner surface of the third sidewall 253 and facing the first lamp connector 26 of the first side wall251. The third lamp connector 283 may be a metallic elastic plate. Thethird electrical lamp connector 283 coupled with the elastic member 262of the first lamp connector 26 tightly fastens the lamp 231therebetween.

The third lamp connector 283 is electrically connected to the secondlamp connector 27 of the first side wall 251. In the illustratedembodiment, the third lamp connector 283 is electrically connected tothe second lamp connector 27 via a metallic plate 282. One terminal ofthe metallic plate 282 is connected to the third lamp connector 283.Part of the metallic plate 282 corresponding to the supporting board 250is embedded in the supporting board 250. Another part of the metallicplate 282 is formed at the inner surface of the first side wall 251 andis connected to the second electrode pad 270 of the second lampconnector 27. The first, second, and third lamp connectors 26, 27, 283,and the metallic plate 282 are integrated with the frame 25 to form onebody during the process of fabricating the frame 25.

The backlight module 20 is assembled by the following steps: firstly,the lamp 231 is received in the lamp cover 232. Secondly, the lightguide plate 21 is received in the frame 25. The side surface 211 of thelight guide plate 21 is adjacent to the second side wall 252 of theframe 25. The side surface 211 of the light guide plate 21 together withthe frame 25 defines a space for receiving the lamp assembly 23.Subsequently, the lamp assembly 23 is received in the space defined bythe light guide plate 21 and the frame 25. A high voltage terminal (notlabeled) of the lamp 231 contacts the elastic member 262 of the firstlamp connector 26 via the through hole of corresponding fastening unit233. A low voltage terminal (not labeled) of the lamp 231 contacts thethird lamp connector 283 via the through hole of corresponding fasteningunit 233. Afterwards, the assembled frame 25 is located in the bottomtray 27. The first and second connecting tubes 261, 271 of the frame 25are located corresponding to the gap 2711 of the bottom tray 27 as shownin FIG. 6. Finally, external electrical plugs are inserted into thefirst and second connecting tubes 261, 271 of the frame 25 for providingpower for the lamp 231.

As detailed above, the lamp 231 is fastened between the first and thirdlamp connectors 26, 283 of the frame 25. The high and low voltageterminals of the lamp 231 are electrically connected with the first andsecond lamp connectors 26, 27, respectively. After the backlight module20 is assembled, external electrical plugs are inserted into the firstand second connecting tubes 261, 271 of the frame 25 for providing powerfor the lamp 231. That is, the backlight module 20 needs no lamp wire toprovide power for the lamp 231. This omits a process of soldering thelamp wires to the lamp 231. In addition, when the backlight module 20 isassembled, there is no need to assemble the lamp wires. As a result, thebacklight module 20 may be assembled more quickly. In mass production,this is advantageous to improve productivity effect of the backlightmodules 20.

Various modifications and alterations to the above-described embodimentsare possible. For example, the backlight module 20 may include two ormore lamps 231. Accordingly, the frame 25 includes two or more first andthird lamp connectors 26, 28 to provide power for the lamps 231. Theelastic member 262 of the first lamp connectors 26 may be a metallicspring electrically connected to the first electrode pad 260. Themetallic plate 282 may be a wire and the wire may be embedded in thesecond side wall 252 of the frame 25.

It is to be further understood that even though numerous characteristicsand advantages of the present embodiments have been set out in theforegoing description, together with details of the structures andfunctions of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only, andchanges may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, andarrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the fullextent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which theappended claims are expressed.

1. A backlight module, comprising: at least one lamp; a power supply forproviding power to the least one lamp; and a frame for receiving the atleast one lamp, the frame comprising: at least one lamp connectingmechanism, each lamp connecting mechanism comprising two electricalconnecting tubes drill through the frame; wherein two ends of each lampare electrically connected to the connecting tubes respectively at aninner side of the frame, both of the connecting tubes are electricallyconnected to the power supply.
 2. The backlight module as claimed inclaim 1, wherein each lamp connecting mechanism comprising a firstelectrical lamp connector and a second electrical lamp connector, theconnecting tubes are arranged at the first and second lamp connectorsrespectively.
 3. The backlight module as claimed in claim 2, wherein thefirst lamp connector comprises an electrode pad formed at the inner sideof the frame, the electrode pad is electrically connected to thecorresponding connecting tube of the first lamp connector.
 4. Thebacklight module as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first lamp connectorfurther comprises an elastic member formed at the electrode pad.
 5. Thebacklight module as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second lampconnector comprises an electrode pad formed at the inner side of theframe, the electrode pad is electrically connected to the correspondingconnecting tube of the second lamp connector.
 6. The backlight module asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the frame further comprises a third lampconnector, the at least one lamp is fasten between the first and thirdlamp connectors.
 7. The backlight module as claimed in claim 6, whereinthe third lamp connector is electrically connected to the second lampconnector.
 8. The backlight module as claimed in claim 7, wherein thethird lamp connector is electrically connected to the second lampconnector via a metallic plate.
 9. The backlight module as claimed inclaim 6, wherein the third lamp connector is a metallic plate.
 10. Thebacklight module as claimed in claim 7, wherein the frame furthercomprises a first side wall, a second side wall, a third opposite to thefirst side wall, and a fourth side wall opposite to the second sidewall.
 11. The backlight module as claimed in claim 10, wherein the firstand second lamp connectors are located in the first side wall.
 12. Thebacklight module as claimed in claim 10, wherein the third lampconnector is located in the third side wall facing the first lampconnector.
 13. The backlight module as claimed in claim 10, wherein theframe further comprises a supporting board extending from inner surfacesof the frame.
 14. The backlight module as claimed in claim 13, whereinthe third lamp connector is electrically connected to the second lampconnector via a metallic plate embedded in the supporting board of theframe.
 15. The backlight module as claimed in claim 6, wherein thefirst, second, and third lamp connectors are integrated with the frameto form one body.
 16. The backlight module as claimed in claim 2,further comprising a bottom tray coupled with the frame cooperativelydefine a space for receiving the at least one lamp.
 17. The backlightmodule as claimed in claim 16, wherein two adjacent side walls of thebottom tray define a gap corresponding to the first and second lampconnectors of the frame.
 18. The backlight module as claimed in claim 2,wherein the frame is made of plastic.
 19. The backlight module asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one lamp is a cold cathodefluorescent lamp.
 20. A backlight module, comprising: at least one lamp;and a frame for receiving the at least one lamp, the frame comprising: afirst conductive mechanism and a second conductive mechanism, parts ofthe first and second conductive mechanism drill through the frame;wherein the at least one lamp is electrically connected to the first andsecond mechanisms at inner side of the frame, the first and secondmechanisms are connected to a power supply at out side of the frame.